AWS Advanced Networking Specialty vs CCNP Enterprise vs CCNP Data Center
| Factor | ✅ AWS Advanced Networking Specialty | CCNP Enterprise | CCNP Data Center | CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure | JNCIP-SP - Juniper Networks Certified Professional Service Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Amazon Web Services | Cisco | Cisco | Cisco | Juniper Networks |
| Level | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced |
| Exam Cost | $300 | $400+ | $400+ | $1,600+ | $400 |
| Pass Rate | 50% | 55% | 55% | 25% | 55% |
| Avg Salary | $145K–$185K | $110K–$145K | $115K–$150K | $140K–$185K | $115K–$150K |
| Difficulty |
Hard
★★★★☆
|
Hard
★★★★☆
|
Hard
★★★★☆
|
Very Hard
★★★★★
|
Hard
★★★★☆
|
| Best For | Senior network engineers designing and managing complex AWS network architectures. | Senior network engineers with 3-5 years of enterprise networking experience.… | Data center engineers and network architects with Cisco infrastructure experienc… | Elite network engineers with 5-7+ years of deep enterprise networking experience… | Service provider network engineers with deep Juniper expertise.… |
| Expiry | Typically 3 years — renewal at aws.amazon.com | Check cisco.com | Check cisco.com | Check cisco.com | Check juniper.net |
| Full Guide | View guide → | View guide → | View guide → | View guide → | View guide → |
Which Should You Choose?
The right certification depends on your current role, target employer, geography, and the specific skills gap you're trying to close. Here's a practical breakdown:
✅ Choose AWS Advanced Networking Specialty if…
You're targeting roles at organisations that specifically require Amazon Web Services credentials, or you're already working within the Amazon Web Services ecosystem. The AWS Advanced Networking Specialty carries the strongest recognition among Amazon Web Services customers and partners, and its salary premium of $145K–$185K is well-documented in the job market.
Full Guide →Consider CCNP Enterprise if…
You're targeting organisations in the Cisco ecosystem, or the CCNP Enterprise is more commonly required in your target industry or geography. Salary data: $110K–$145K. Professional-level Cisco networking cert. Validates advanced routing, switching, SD-WAN, and enterpr…
Full Guide →Consider CCNP Data Center if…
You're targeting organisations in the Cisco ecosystem, or the CCNP Data Center is more commonly required in your target industry or geography. Salary data: $115K–$150K. Professional-level Cisco data center certification. Validates advanced skills in data center design,…
Full Guide →Detailed Analysis — AWS Advanced Networking Specialty
Strengths
- ✓Issued by Amazon Web Services — one of the most trusted credential authorities in Networking
- ✓Salary premium of $145K–$185K documented across multiple independent sources
- ✓Exam fee of $300 — strong ROI relative to salary gain
- ✓Global recognition at enterprise employers, government agencies, and consulting firms
- ✓Covers 6 core domains including: AWS networking fundamentals, VPN & Direct Connect, Transit Gateway
Considerations
- ◆Pass rate is approximately 50% — structured preparation is essential, not optional
- ◆Requires significant hands-on experience — not suitable for complete beginners
- ◆Renewal required — check current requirements at aws.amazon.com
Made your decision? Start your preparation today.
AWS Advanced Networking Specialty Full Guide → Study Roadmap → Salary Data →